If you enjoy art in your bathroom accent lighting will show it off best. Recessed directional lights provide focused illumination for each piece of art — or in this case for an alcove dedicated to a sculptural bouquet of flowers.

Pot lights more technically known as recessed downlights are probably the second-biggest light source people think of when looking to brighten and modernize their home. A grid of pot lights can help spread light over a large area and light the center of a space where wall lights don’t reach.

In a renovation on the other hand we have to consider what effect a new skylight will have on the efficiency of the existing building. In some cases the additional sunlight (and therefore heat) can help reduce the amount of energy needed to heat the house. It depends greatly on the local climate but also on the design of the building envelope of the house.